Our Team

Greetings from the New Guy!

 I've been on board now for a month and a half, and learned a lot about CELC, about many of you- even about myself.

The nature of my posting with you is that I'm still completing required seminary courses, and under supervision of Synod.  On September 12, I'll meet with the Synod Candidacy Committee, to look at all my paperwork (my transcripts, references, psych eval, application essay, reviews, etc.) and ask me questions about faith, status and direction.  Then they'll decide what additional courses (etc.) I'll need to become a full, rostered Minister of Word and Sacrament.  It's possible that they'll discover something of concern, but I hope not!

CELC plays a significant role in that process.  Council is asked to guide me on this journey- they are doing so.  Bill Wright has been especially helpful in the liturgy and Eucharist, as this is the first time I've been the sole pastor- I was an Assistant Pastor for 2 years, a Student Minister in Glacier National Park, and Pastoral Assistant at Trinity, but I'm still learning to ins and outs of the “solo role”.

Council guides me, Shawnee informs me, and Bill REALLY guides me!

So I ask for your patience as I serve you.  If something doesn't feel right, or if there's a better way, please let me know!  Feedback is so much better than avoiding it, and I thank you in advance for helping me grow in this role, and in your lives.

Increasingly, I'm out and about, doing visitations in the hospital, hospice calls at home with communion, and lots of phone chats.

My intent is to join Choir next week.  I may be a Bass, but John Livers will always be your First Base, er, First Bass!

So- what have I learned about CELC and YOU?

You folks and your institution have survived some difficult times over the last several decades, and come out of that as, to use the words many of you have said, “small but mighty”.  I look forward to speaking with and praying with you, so that I can learn more about where you come from, where you are, and where you want / wish / need to journey on the path that Christ has for you.

God's Blessings,

Vicar Rich

ps:  to reach me, call the CELC Office, at 301.733.3482...Shawnee will find me!